Cristiano Ronaldo not a distraction, says Portugal coach Santos

by IANS |

Doha, Nov 24 (IANS) Cristiano Ronaldo parted ways with Manchester United just days before Portugal's opening game against Ghana at the Qatar World Cup, which head coach Fernando Santos insisted will not distract the team.

"This is something that has not even been discussed," Santos said at the pre-game press conference on Wednesday. "This conversation has not come up at any moment, not even from him."

Santos said that the team is in good shape and well-prepared for Ghana who "will cause us a lot of problems", reports Xinhua.

"Ghana is a very well-organised team. Their game against Switzerland showed that. African teams have a lot of talent, unpredictability, and are always improving tactically. Today they are much more complete teams," he added.

Santos also indicated his ambition and desire of winning the World Cup, saying "I believe we have the ability to fight for this goal. We want to give the Portuguese people great joy."

Portugal will face Ghana in their Group H game later on Thursday.

Latest News
Rajasthan Chief Justice inaugurates e-Facilities Centre Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 04:45 PM
Barack and Michelle Obama endorse Kamala Harris for US President Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 04:36 PM
Jonny Bairstow not ready to give up on England Test spot Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 04:26 PM
Thomas Partey hails Arsenal to 'avoid mistakes of last season' Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 03:58 PM
Changi Airport sees 13.4 per cent passenger increase in Q2 Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 03:44 PM
46 Kg of opium seized in Afghanistan, 3 arrested Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 03:27 PM
Over 6,20,000 affected by typhoon Gaemi in China Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 02:17 PM
Massive wildfires trigger evacuations, health alerts in US Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 02:04 PM
Philippines: One killed in Manila house fire Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 01:52 PM
LIC stock hits new lifetime high of Rs 1,178.60 Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 01:10 PM
'Street-smart' Suryakumar backed to rise up to India T20I captaincy challenge Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 01:08 PM
2 Indian military teams plant tri-colour on Mt. Elbrus in multinational military 'Climb for Peace' event Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 01:00 PM
iPhone exports from India touch new all-time high in April-June quarter Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 12:51 PM
Cong never respected Armed Forces, says BJP's Poonawalla on Kargil Vijay Diwas Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 12:48 PM
MyGov turns 10: Let's work towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047, says CEO Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 12:33 PM